Creve Coeur native Justin Willman is a man of many talents, but he says he is a magician first. “That’s the lens through which I see most of what I do,” he says. He might be best known for hosting Cupcake Wars on Food Network, although he’s made multiple appearances on shows like Ellen, The Tonight Show and Conan. He’s performed live at the White House for the Obama family, and his debut comedy/magic special Sleight of Mouth premiered on Comedy Central last year. Willman was married in September 2015, and lives with wife Jillian Sipkins in Los Angeles.
T&S | Where did you grow up and what high school did you attend?
Justin Willman | I grew up on Spoede Road and went to Ladue Horton Watkins High School, class of ’98.
T&S | What teacher made the biggest impression?
JW | Miss Box, who taught TV and video. I attribute my comfort in front of the camera to her because she had us deliver the morning news. She encouraged us to find our true voice, rather than just read a script. She also taught us how to edit film on VHS tape. We thought we were so cutting-edge, but nowadays, a kid can do all that on a cell phone.
T&S | How did you break into ‘show business’?
JW | I first became interested in magic at 12 after I broke both arms falling off my bicycle. (I was wearing roller blades at the time, going downhill fast, and flew straight over the handlebars!) For six months, I was in and out of St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where I came into contact with Dr. Magic (aka Jerry Hughes), who visited the children there each week. It was he who suggested I do magic tricks with my hands instead of standard physical therapy. That was the spark. It was the first thing I was ever good at.
T&S | How did you develop your newfound talent?
JW | I took lessons at a place called Gibbol’s on the Landing, a half-magic/half-adult novelty shop. You needed a parent with you if you were under 18, so because I was only 15, my mom and dad took me down there every week. My stage name was Justin Kredible, and I started doing birthday parties and events. I put ads in the Riverfront Times, had business cards made, and ended up doing four or five events each weekend. It was a crash course in entrepreneurship!
T&S | So what about those cupcakes?
JW | Cupcake Wars was a case of being in the right place at the right time—a random audition that led to nine seasons between 2010 and 2015. But here’s the truth: I can throw around cupcake terms, but I’ve never—in all my life—baked a single one! To be honest, I’m more of a crème brulee guy.
T&S | Where do you make a point of going when you come home?
JW | I always visit the City Museum. One of my first regular gigs as a teen was in the circus area on the second floor. I’d perform every weekend with the amazing Circus Harmony folks. That place is magic to me. I also make sure to pop by Nordstrom at the Galleria. My sister is a manager there and I love barging in unannounced and embarrassing her with brotherly affection.
T&S | What does St. Louis mean to you?
JW | In my travels, I really love it when I meet someone from here. With fellow St. Louisans, you play that silly name game (Do you know so-and-so?) and there’s always a good chance you have someone in common, always some connection to be made. And there’s a definite feeling of kinship. St. Louis is a proud city, an important American city with rich history and industry … and excellent beer! I love coming home.
Justin Willman will perform five shows April 6 through 8 at the Helium Comedy Club at Saint Louis Galleria.
Photo: Jillian Sipkins Photography
